Don't Ask About the Taco

I brought you here to show you what I love
The smoke, the sizzle, the lime above
But you stare at the menu like a test
Asking if it's safe, if it'll hurt your chest

You point at the lengua, ask what it means
I say it's tongue, you laugh between your screens
You want no spice, no grease, no soul
Just comfort wrapped in a flour roll

Don't ask about the taco, just take the bite
It's years of my mother's hands done right
Don't pick apart what you don't know
You'll never taste it if you can't let go

You swap the beans, the cheese, the plate
You say, can they bake instead of fry, to make it light
I nod and smile, though I feel small
Like my childhood's something optional

Don't ask about the taco, just take the bite
It's sweat and sunlight turned to night
Don't fix it till it tastes like home
Some things aren't meant to be your own

I still love this table, this sound, this flame
But every question calls my name
Like why so hot and is it clean
You're missing everything between

Don't ask about the taco, just taste the years
Salt and joy and quiet tears
It's not a trend, it's not a show
It's who I am, just let it go

Don't ask about the taco
Please, just take the bite